NIST Announces $46.5 Million Funding for New Manufacturing Extension Partnership Centers
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- ManufacturingDive.com
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has announced a funding opportunity of $46.5 million aimed at establishing 14 new Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers. These centers will assist small and medium-sized manufacturers in adopting advanced manufacturing technologies, thereby enhancing production capabilities and workforce development.
This initiative is significant as small and medium-sized manufacturers represent 98% of the U.S. manufacturing sector. The funding is intended to strengthen manufacturing ecosystems by promoting the integration of advanced technologies, which include robotics, artificial intelligence, and automation, among others. Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology, Arvind Raman, emphasized the importance of these centers in boosting competitiveness.
Looking ahead, NIST plans to award funding annually for up to five years, contingent on performance and funding availability. Selected applicants will need to secure at least 50% in non-federal matching funds. The success of this program will be crucial for enhancing supply chains and supporting manufacturers in implementing innovative technologies.
Original report
NIST pledges $46.5M for new Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers
ManufacturingDive.com · Jeff KinneyThis briefing is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting and is provided for industry information and news discovery. The original report and source publication are credited and linked where applicable. RobotToday does not claim ownership of third-party source material.
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